ZIP it

As of April 1, Florida had 1,480 ZIP codes, according to the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). But legislation introduced by members of the Florida congressional delegation could soon add a few more.

Sen. Rick Scott, a Republican from Naples, will lead a bipartisan bill calling for 14 additional U.S. communities to gain dedicated ZIP codes. That includes assigned numbers for both Cooper City and Miami Lakes, both South Florida localities.

“As Florida’s communities continue to grow, it makes complete sense that their federal government and services should be reflected,” Scott said. “This bill will establish unique ZIP codes (for) several communities in Florida and the United States to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the USPS.”

He will carry the Senate legislation with Sens. Alex Padilla, a California Democrat, and Joni Ernst, a Republican from Iowa.

Meanwhile, Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart will lead the House version of the legislation. Miami Lakes is located in Florida’s 26th Congressional District, which the Hialeah Republican represents. He said the municipality needs the designation for more reasons than just community pride.

“The Town of Miami Lakes, which I have the privilege and honor of representing, has faced countless hurdles since its incorporation in 2000 due to the lack of its own ZIP code. Residents experience frequent delays and delivery issues with mail and packages, inaccurate census data negatively impacts the Town’s operating revenue — affecting funding intended for vulnerable populations like seniors — and insurance rates, especially automobile insurance, wildly fluctuate,” Díaz-Balart said.

“Additionally, voters often face confusion at the polls because of unclear precinct assignments. This situation is unacceptable. Now, well over two decades after its incorporation into Miami-Dade County, it is long past time for Miami Lakes to receive its own unique ZIP code. I remain steadfast in my efforts to support the people of Miami Lakes and to improve their quality of life.”

Voucher ally

Over the last several years, Florida has rapidly expanded its universal school choice program. Now, Sen. Ashley Moody says she wants the effort to go national.

The Plant City Republican signed on as a co-sponsor for the Educational Choice for Children Act, federal legislation championed by the America First Policy Institute.

“Student needs should drive opportunities for student success, not ZIP codes,” Moody posted on X. “The Educational Choice for Children Act empowers parents by supporting scholarships across the country. Ultimately, school choice can provide children in Florida and nationwide (with) the brightest possible future. I’m proud to be cosponsoring this bill.”

That makes Moody the 33rd co-sponsor of the voucher legislation, led by Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana.

Tossing tomatoes

The Commerce Department recently withdrew from an agreement with Mexico not to enforce anti-dumping restrictions on imported tomatoes. Now, Florida lawmakers are praising the decision.

“This has been a priority of ours for years in Florida,” said Rep. Kat Cammack, a Gainesville Republican.

“For half a decade now, our producers have been subject to an unfair marketplace. In the past five years alone, Mexican tomato producers have violated the suspension agreement over 100 times. The economic impact of these violations has been catastrophic on our domestic tomato producers. I’ve long been a champion of free but fair trade. Since the beginning of 2000, we have dropped from 250 producers to just 25. I’m grateful the Trump administration is working so hard to enforce international U.S. trade laws, and I know our tomato producers in Florida will be relieved to once more have a level playing field.”

Rep. Vern Buchanan, a Sarasota Republican and the Republican co-Chair of the Florida congressional delegation, worked with Trump in his first term, when the United States-Mexico-Canada agreement was signed and the 2019 treaty went into effect. He also said it was long past time to withdraw, as Mexican agriculture has taken advantage of the lax enforcement.

“For too long, unfair Mexican trade practices and illegal dumping have decimated American farms and tilted the playing field against our hardworking growers. This decision finally opens the door to strong, enforceable trade remedies that will protect American jobs, strengthen our rural economy and ensure our farmers can compete and thrive.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that Florida growers produce 56% of domestic fresh round tomato truck shipments, so the import of tomatoes into the U.S. disproportionately impacts the state’s agriculture.

Boat power

In a state where boating brings plenty of economic activity in its wake, three members of the delegation want to ease the tax burden on the fuel powering motorboats.

Buchanan joined Republican Reps. Aaron Bean of Fernandina Beach and John Rutherford of Jacksonville to co-introduce the Maritime Fuel Tax Parity Act, which could eliminate a tax exemption on alternative fuels, including liquefied natural gas. Democratic Reps. John Garamendi of California and Jill Tokuda of Hawaii also signed on.

“We should be encouraging, not penalizing, our maritime industry as they find alternative and innovative ways to power American vessels,” Rutherford said. “Jacksonville’s maritime industry leaders made Northeast Florida home to the world’s very first liquefied natural gas-powered containership. As the Trump administration unleashes American energy and innovation, I am proud to join a bipartisan coalition to introduce this bill that would afford the U.S. maritime industry the freedom and parity to explore new energy opportunities to fuel American shipping and trade.”

The other coastal lawmakers also cheered the change.

“Expanding the use of alternative fuels like LNG will strengthen Jacksonville’s maritime industry and allow maritime vessels to use LNG as a fuel source without being penalized by an onerous tax and compliance burden,” Bean said.

Buchanan said it would be helpful to his Gulf Coast district as well. “Florida’s ports play a vital role in fueling our economy, supporting tens of thousands of good-paying jobs and helping move goods across the globe,” Buchanan said.

“I’m proud to support this bill to protect our maritime and aviation industries from unnecessary tax burdens and strengthen trade between U.S. ports. With SeaPort Manatee in my district generating billions in annual economic impact for our region, this common-sense measure will keep Florida’s Gulf Coast competitive.”

Supporting Social Security

As federal bureaucracy cuts reach deeper, Rep. Darren Soto convened Florida leaders in Central Florida to discuss the importance of Social Security.

The Kissimmee Democrat at the roundtable said it was important to amplify the value of a program recently derided by Elon Musk, leader of the Department of Government Efficiency, as a Ponzi scheme.

“Social Security isn’t just a line item in the federal budget — it’s a promise to the American people,” Soto said. “In Florida’s 9th Congressional District alone, 137,000 residents rely on these earned benefits each month. That’s $218 million flowing directly into our local economy, helping retirees, children, widows, disabled workers, and spouses live with dignity.”

According to Soto’s Office, beneficiaries in his district include 96,738 retirees, 9,890 children, 7,073 widows, 18,462 disabled workers and 4,840 spouses of recipients.

Johnnie Walker, a national representative of the American Federation of Government Employees, traveled to Kissimmee to join in the discussion.

“Social Security provides benefits to 73 million Americans while operating at a 50-year staffing low, yet the administration wants to cut the agency even further. This administration is decimating the middle class and we’re only 85 days into this administration,” Walker said. “This administration is trying to dismantle our union because we are using our voices and speaking out. We will continue to speak out to protect the workers (who) serve the American public daily.”

Decrying detainment

Rep. Maxwell Frost traveled to El Salvador with three other Democratic lawmakers to pressure the Trump administration to effectuate the return of a Maryland man with protected legal status who was deported last month.

He called Trump’s deportation of the man, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, without due process part of a “government-funded kidnapping program” brought about by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement).

“Kilmar Abrego Garcia is Trump’s latest victim,” Frost said in a statement.

“As Members of Congress, it is our responsibility to hold the President and administration accountable for defying the Constitution of the United States. Donald Trump and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement are not above the law. Today it’s Kilmar, but tomorrow it could be anyone else. We cannot and will not let Donald Trump get away with this.”

The trip came after Rep. James Comer, a Kentucky Republican and the Chair of the House Oversight Committee, refused Frost and Garcia’s request for an official Congressional Delegation to the Central American nation.

It also follows a unanimous ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court backing a lower court’s order to “facilitate” Abrego Garcia’s release from custody in an El Salvadoran prison and treat his case “as it would have been had he not been improperly sent to El Salvador.”

Minecraft

An abundance of fossil fuels may have made America a superpower in the 20th century, but the nation imports, often from hostile nations, many critical minerals vital in a digital world.

Rep. Kathy Castor said the mining industry would be better off seeking material for semiconductors and batteries instead of drilling for more oil. The Tampa Democrat introduced the bipartisan Finding Opportunities for Resource Exploration (FORE) Act, which would commit the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to negotiating partnerships with other countries to map critical minerals, investing in development strategies, and arranging trade deals.

Castor said that would reduce America’s reliance on hostile nations for materials necessary to modern technology.

“America’s dependence on adversarial nations for critical minerals poses a significant threat to our national security and our clean energy future,” Castor said. “The Finding ORE Act leverages our expertise in geologic mapping to promote the sustainable development of critical mineral supply chains through international partnerships. This legislation will make our nation safer and stronger while supporting our strategic alliances. I’m grateful to my bipartisan colleagues for working together to enhance U.S. leadership in the clean energy transition.”

She filed the House bill with Rep. Rob Wittman, a Republican from Virginia.

“Critical minerals and rare earth elements are the building blocks of our modern economy and our national security,” Wittman said. “This bill ensures that the United States can work hand in hand with like-minded nations to identify and responsibly develop these essential resources, while strengthening supply chain resilience and promoting American leadership in mineral exploration. Through this bill, we are reinforcing our alliances, building technical capacity, and supporting global standards in responsible mineral development.”

E.U. partnership

Buchanan led an international delegation of lawmakers to Europe last week to discuss trade with partner nations across the pond.

In his capacity as Vice Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, he led colleagues from the Trade Subcommittee in meetings with leaders from the European Union.

“I had the privilege of leading a bipartisan congressional delegation to the European Union in Belgium, as well as Moldova, Romania and Greece,” Buchanan said. “Throughout the trip, we engaged with senior government officials, civic leaders and American and local business owners to promote effective governance and strengthen strategic relationships.”

The Longboat Key Republican also told Florida Politics the work could bring financial boons to the Sunshine State, specifically.

“International trade drives billions of dollars in business for Florida and supports more than 2 million jobs across our state. That’s why I led a bipartisan delegation to the E.U. to promote stronger, fairer trade relationships that directly benefit Florida workers, farmers and businesses,” Buchanan said.

“From SeaPort Manatee to our agricultural producers, my goal is to ensure our state remains a powerhouse in global commerce. I look forward to working with President Trump to secure a trade deal with our European partners that puts Florida first.”

Flooding the zone

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is set to expire at the end of September, but Rep. Jared Moskowitz hopes Congress will extend the program’s life at least until the end of 2026.

The Parkland Democrat filed legislation to postpone the expiration date before natural disasters remind Floridians of the hazards of storm surge.

“With hurricane season around the corner, Florida homeowners and businesses deserve certainty that the flood insurance policies they’ve paid into will be there when disaster strikes,” Moskowitz said.

“The NFIP needs reform to lower costs for policyholders and be kept solvent, but it’s too important to let lapse. As Congress works toward long-term solutions that’ll save the NFIP, I’m urging my colleagues to join us in extending this lifeline and delivering our communities the security they’re counting on.”

The program holds particular significance in Florida, which boasts the longest coastline in the continental United States and is home to 1.7 million of the nation’s 5 million NFIP policyholders. Moskowitz also served as Florida’s Director of Emergency Management before his election to Congress and saw the importance of the program to consumers firsthand.

He noted that Congress has already extended the program’s life 33 times in the past decade. His proposal of a 15-month extension would stave off inevitable debate in the near future about whether Americans deserve to keep insurance from floods.

Paving the way

A roadway in Hialeah now bears the name of a former member of Florida’s congressional delegation. Portions of East 4th Ave. — from East Okeechobee Road to East 21st Street and from East 25th Street to East 65th Street — were rededicated as “Lincoln Díaz-Balart Way.”

Mario Díaz-Balart, dean of Florida’s delegation, was on hand for the ceremony to honor his brother, who died last month at age 70. Hialeah Mayor Steve Bovo and Miami-Dade County Commissioner Rene Garcia also attended the event.

Protecting religious workers

A crackdown on immigration could sweep up missionary workers from abroad. Rep. María Elvira Salazar doesn’t want that to happen.

The Coral Gables Republican just introduced legislation to allow religious workers already in the U.S. on temporary R-1 status to stay in the U.S. if they have pending special immigrant (EB-4) applications.

“Miami is home to hundreds of faith communities that rely on religious workers to do God’s work,” Salazar said. “I’m proud to co-lead the Religious Workforce Protection Act to ensure our congregations have the personnel they need to keep the faith alive and growing.”

She filed the bipartisan bill with Republican Reps. Mike Carey of Ohio and Pete Stauber of Maine, as well as Democratic Rep. Richard Neal of Massachusetts.

Religious leaders also offered strong support.

“At a pivotal time in our country, priests and religious, including those from other countries who serve here as missionaries, are critical to building a civilization of love, assisting in the growth of the virtues of solidarity and fraternity, and providing the sacramental and pastoral care to meet the needs of our people, an increasingly diverse group from around the world,” said Bishop Earl K. Fernandes of Columbus.

On this day

April 22, 2004 — “The first Earth Day” via History.com — Millions of Americans, including students from thousands of colleges and universities, participated in rallies, marches and educational programs across the country. Earth Day was the brainchild of Sen. Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin, a staunch environmentalist who sought to unite the grassroots environmental movement and raise ecological awareness. “The objective was to get a nationwide demonstration of concern for the environment so large that it would shake the political establishment out of its lethargy,” Nelson said, “and, finally, force this issue permanently onto the national political agenda.”

April 22, 1864 — “Congress puts ‘In God We Trust’ on coins” via the Library of Congress — During the Civil War, the government, particularly the Secretary of the Treasury, received petitions asking that some motto showing a reliance on God be included on the United States coinage. Congress passed a law, which, among other provisions, instructed the Director of the Mint to fix “the shape, mottos, and devices” of the one and two-cent coins. Later, the Mint issued two-cent coins with the motto “In God We Trust.” Subsequent laws added this motto to various coin denominations, but it wasn’t until 1957 that the phrase appeared on paper money.

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Peter Schorsch publishes Delegation, compiled by Jacob Ogles and edited and assembled by Phil Ammann and Ryan Nicol, with contributions by Jesse Scheckner.

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A new media report seems to confirm the $10 million Hope Florida received as part of a settlement with Centene should have covered money owed to taxpayers, even though Gov. Ron DeSantis has denied it.

DeSantis and his team have said that $10 million donation to Hope Florida was extra cash, a “cherry on top,” or a “sweetener” for the deal.

The Tampa Bay Times/Miami Herald obtained a copy of a draft agreement between the state and Centene after Florida’s largest Medicaid contractor over-charged taxpayers by $67 million for medications. 

“That’s the exact amount DeSantis officials settled on with Centene last year. But instead of returning all $67 million to state and federal coffers, they sent $10 million of it to the Hope Florida Foundation,” the story published Tuesday said.

“The money was then sent to two nonprofit organizations that aren’t required to report how they spend their funds. Those ‘dark money’ groups later gave $8.5 million to a political committee overseen by DeSantis’ chief of staff in a series of transactions that some Republican lawmakers believe were illegal.”

DeSantis has argued Hope Florida did not do anything wrong, and that the $10 million diverted to Hope Florida “was in addition to what they (the state) were getting” with the settlement.

“This is kind of like a cherry on top, where they agreed to make an additional contribution,” DeSantis previously said.

Hope Florida, an initiative of First Lady Casey DeSantis, has been under fire by House Republicans.

Rep. Alex Andrade, a Republican who chairs the House Health Care Budget Subcommittee, is planning to question Hope Florida officials and others this week.

James Uthmeier, who is now the Attorney General, but back then was the Governor’s Chief of Staff, and Committee Chair of the political committee that received millions of dollars, also denied wrongdoing.

“I was not involved in the settlement negotiations related to the Hope Florida contribution, and looking at it, everything looks legal,” he said Tuesday.

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